architecture scholarship essay sample

Architecture Essay Examples

20 Must-Read Architecture Essay Examples for Students

Published on: May 5, 2023

Last updated on: Oct 28, 2024

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Are you a student struggling with writing an architecture essay? Perhaps you are looking for inspiration, or maybe you need guidance on how to develop your argument. 

Whatever the reason may be, you have come to the right place!

In this blog, we provide a range of architecture essay examples covering different styles, time periods, and topics. From modernist to postmodernist architecture, we offer examples that will help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

So, let's take a journey through the world of architecture essay examples together!

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What Is Architecture Essay 

An architecture essay is a type of academic writing that explores the design, construction, and history of buildings, structures, and spaces.  It requires technical knowledge and creative thinking to analyze and interpret architectural theories, and practices.

Let’s take a look at a short essay on architecture:

Architecture College Essay Examples 

Let's take a look at some examples of compelling architecture college essays that demonstrate creativity and critical thinking skills.

The Influence of Cultural Heritage on Architectural Design

The Importance of Aesthetics in Architecture

Scholarship Essay Examples For Architecture

These scholarship essay examples for architecture demonstrate the writers' devotion to excellence and creativity. Let’s check them out!

From Blueprint to Reality: The Importance of Detail in Architecture

The Intersection of Technology and Artistry in Architecture

Common Architecture Essay Examples

Let's take a look at some common architecture essay pdf examples that students often encounter in their academic writing.

History of Architecture Essay Examples

The Evolution of Egyptian Architecture

The Influence of Islamic Architecture

Gothic Architecture Essay Examples 

The Key Characteristics of Gothic Style Architecture

The Role of Gothic Architecture in Medieval Europe

Modern Architecture Essay Examples 

The Development of Modernist Architecture

The Influence of Postmodern Architecture

Cornell Architecture Essay Examples 

The Legacy of Cornell Architecture

Innovative Design Approaches in Cornell Architecture

Types of Architectural Essay 

Here are some potential sample papers for each type of architectural essay:

• Historical Analysis

The Effect of Ancient Greece Architecture on Contemporary Design

• Critical Analysis

The Role of Materiality in Herzog and de Meuron's Tate Modern

• Comparative Analysis

A Comparison of Modernist and Postmodernist Approaches to Design

Additional Architecture Essay Examples

Architecture essays cover a broad range of topics and styles. Here are some additional architecture essay prompts to help you get started.

Essay on Architecture As A Profession

Essay About Architecture As Art

Architecture Essay Question Examples

How To Write An Architecture Essay 

To write a successful architecture essay, follow these steps:

Step#1 Understand the assignment 

Read the assignment prompt carefully to understand what the essay requires.

Step#2 Research 

Conduct thorough research on the topic using reliable sources such as books, journals, and academic databases.

Step#3 Develop a thesis 

Based on your research, develop a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay.

Step#4 Outline 

Create an outline to organize your ideas and ensure that your essay flows logically and coherently.

Step#5 Write the essay 

Start writing your essay according to your outline:

Introduction:

• Begin with a hook that grabs the reader's attention.
• Provide background information on the topic.
• End with a clear thesis statement.

Architecture Essay Introduction

• Use evidence to support your arguments.
• Organize your ideas logically with clear transitions.
• Address counterarguments.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the main points and restate the thesis.
• Provide final thoughts and consider broader implications.
• End with a memorable closing statement.

Architecture Essay Conclusion

Step#6 Edit and proofread 

Review your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Make sure that your ideas are expressed clearly and concisely.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

History of Architecture Essay Topics

• The Impact of Ancient Greek Architecture on Modern Building Design in the United States
• The Development of Gothic Architecture as an Architectural Movement in Medieval Europe
• A Case Study of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style Architecture and its Influence on American Home Design
• The Rise of Skyscrapers in the United States. A Look at the History and Impact of Tall Buildings on People Living and Working in Cities
• The Origins of Modernism in Architecture: Tracing the Roots of this Architectural Movement from Europe to the United States
• A Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Japanese Traditional Architecture: Exploring the Differences and Similarities of These Two Styles Originated from Asia
• The Influence of Islamic Architecture on the Development of Spanish Colonial Architecture in the United States
• A Case Study of Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye: Analyzing the Characteristics of This Architectural Movement and Its Influence on Modern Architecture
• The Evolution of Green Architecture: Examining the History of Sustainable Building Design and Its Impact on People Living and the Environment
• The Revival of Art Deco Architecture. Tracing the Return of This Style Originated in the 1920s and 1930s in the United States.

Check out our blog on architecture essay topics to get more interesting and unique topic ideas!

In summary!

We hope the examples we've provided have sparked your imagination and given you the inspiration you need to craft your essay. Writing about architecture requires good skills, and your essay is an opportunity to showcase your unique ideas in the field.

Remember, even the greatest architects started somewhere, and the key to success is practice. But if you're feeling stuck and need a little help bringing your vision to life, don't worry! 

At CollegeEssay.org , our expert writers are here to provide you with top-quality essay writing service that will impress even the toughest critics.

Whether you need help finding the right words or want assistance with organizing your ideas, our AI essay generator can guide you every step of the way. 

So why wait? Contact our architecture essay writing service today and take the first step toward building your dream career in architecture!

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Diversity Advancement Scholarship

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Architecture is about enhancing the human experience by creating buildings that serve and strengthen communities. Since 1970, the Diversity Advancement Scholarship has been awarded to help build a pipeline of architects so that the profession better reflects the diverse communities they serve.

Architects Foundation is working to attract, inspire and invest in the next generation of the profession and we can help fund your college education with a multiyear scholarship of up to $20,000. On top of that we’ll also transform your career trajectory through our extensive network of alumni, mentors, and scholars.

$20,000 scholarship

Those selected as Diversity Advancement Scholars will join a select group of students who through imagination, commitment to excellence, and participation in a supportive network can change the landscape of the profession and future of the built environment. Eligible students must be a US citizen or permanent resident and be:

• a high school student planning to enroll in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program;
• a rising second-year college student in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program; or,
• a technical school or community college student who has completed high school or its equivalent and intends to transfer to a NAAB-accredited architecture program
• a student in the last year of a non-NAAB four year program (B.A. or B.S.) and planning to enroll in a NAAB-accredited graduate degree program

NAAB-accredited degree programs may be a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree, or a four-year pre-professional bachelor degree followed by a Master of Architecture degree. Scholarships may be renewed for up to 5 years (up to a $20,000 total award—multiple scholarships are available).

The Diversity Advancement Scholarship was created in 1970 with an initial grant from the Ford Foundation, after civil rights leader Whitney Young Jr. challenged architects in 1968 to create a more responsible and equitable field. Read the program report here .

Embracing diverse viewpoints and cultures in architecture is a valuable asset to the profession, and the Diversity Advancement Scholarship offers students with a passion for studying the discipline of architecture, an opportunity to successfully complete their studies no matter their ethnicity or where they come from.

Application process

Applicants must submit:

• Examples: Zuleika Baldeo Essay and Taylor Pinkney Essay
• A professional resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• A portfolio (3-5 creative works, do not have to be architecture-specific)

Questions? View our frequently asked questions >

2025 Selection Committee More information about the selection committee will be released. Please address letters of reference to the “2025 Selection Committee.”

Timeline Application period: November 8, 2024 – January 10, 2025 Review period: February – April 2025 Scholarship recipient selection meeting: late April 2025 Scholarship recipients notified: Immediately following the meeting First scholarship disbursement: August 2025

We greatly appreciate our scholarship sponsors. Donations to this fund can be made online here . More information about becoming a scholarship sponsor through a one-time or recurring gift can be found here .

Partner-funded scholars: Curry Stone Foundation:  Zuleika Baldeo Custom Residential Architects Network, an AIA Knowledge Community:  Omar Leon Fireclay Tile: Oni Thornell and Gabriella Doe Robert Ivy: Conrad Ontimara RS&H: Cassius Palacio and Silvia Kim Safdie Architects:  Geremiah Tallas Sherwin-Williams Company: Raven Mills and Justin Chappell

Sample Architecture Personal Statement (admitted to Cambridge, Cornell, Yale)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in architecture. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Cambridge, Cornell, and Yale. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in architecture should look like.

Here is the personal statement of the Architecure Student.

I am not particularly fond of tea. However, while working in the Northern regions of XYZ, I realized that sharing a cup of tea was considered a symbol of gratitude by its hospitable populace. This simple gesture transcended the commonplace and made our work for the community all the more personal.

For several weeks I shared many cups of the sugary beverage while volunteering with the Heritage Foundation constructing homes for the people of the XYZ. Their entire dwellings had been destroyed by the floods, and it came to us, a group of young architecture students, to revive this once-thriving community.

The process from etching the lines of chalk for the Women’s Community Centre to seeing it constructed into a beautiful bamboo building to be used for gainful employment is one that affected me deeply. The structures we built stand supported throughout the seasons, representing the enduring strength of the people of the XYZ. By helping to re-establish an entire community affected by an unprecedented natural calamity, I became aware of the power of architectural design to incite social change. Also, the focus on sustainable structures made me realize how designers need to focus on the available resources and capacities of the community they are involved in.

This experience was pivotal in realizing the path I wanted to take as an architect. My fascination with creating and manipulating space, seen from an early age by my experimentation with a Wendy Tent, went to the root of my desire to become an architect. Furthermore, the stories I had heard growing up about my ancestral home in XYZ, a city known for its scorching heat; as well as my childhood divided between XYZ, a country oblivious to any form of energy deficiency, and XYZ, a country struggling with shortages in resources have all served to underscore how design needs to adapt and address the social issues of its environment. This instilled within me a desire to work towards making my homeland self-sustaining.

To channel my proclivity, I applied to the country’s top architecture school, and my joy, I was accepted. During my five years at the XYZ, I studied the fundamental nature of the architectural design. I found its intricacies to be a maze that beckoned alluringly to me. Elected as the Vice President of the Architecture Students’ Association, I was in a position to influence how students would perceive architecture. I led the team representing XYZ and XYZ at the National Architectural Student Convention held in XYZ.

My team was honored with the prestigious Citation Prize for the Rubens Trophy. This victory awarded our design from amongst those submitted from more than a hundred universities. It proved to be a tremendous boost to my belief in achieving the career goals that I had set for myself. It also allowed me to develop a global understanding of architectural design. The following year, I volunteered to go to XYZ, an experience that left an indelible mark on my mind.

I returned with vigor to realize architecture’s power in shaping my community and channeled my motivation into my thesis project. I managed to study the overwhelmingly bustling historic urban center of XYZ and analyzed its context, which resulted in providing macro-level sustainable design solutions. A culmination of my efforts and passion, this project was awarded an ‘honors’ in my thesis.

I followed through with my academic goals by seeking employment at a firm that avidly incorporates sustainability in its design practices. After working at SR Design Works, I was reassured of the practical applications of the theoretical knowledge I attained as part of my undergraduate degree. Furthermore, with a conscious desire to be part of responsible design practices, I became associated with upcoming advocates of green building design. However, at the same time, I also grew aware that to achieve my aims, I would need further education.

While working on individual projects which incorporated the principles of sustainable design, I was exposed to the prospective benefits as well as the limitations of those principles. In light of this nexus, it was apparent that I needed further education to explore all its potential advantages.

Another hurdle I had to overcome in a predominantly patriarchal society like XYZ was to hold my own and work on an equal footing with various people, from clients to retailers; colleagues to contractors. This aspect of my character can be attributed to my mother, who raised my brother and me while working full-time as a real estate agent. She taught me to be independent and not to treat my gender as a disability. I have taken her wisdom to heart and have dared to dream of rising to the zenith in my field.

I realize that many architectural designs in XYZ fail to communicate with their environmental and social context, thus creating more hindrances for its inhabitants rather than presenting solutions. My experience in architecture has made me realize the necessity of greater responsibility and sensibility in building structures in XYZ. I greatly believe in XYZ potential and aim for this country to be a forefront practitioner of sustainable architecture.

I aim to practice sustainable architectural design in its true essence and promote green practices that can help build communities, hopefully sharing many more cups of tea in the process.

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Amazing Architecture

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• How to Write an Architecture Essay - Examples and Tips

• Crafting an Outstanding Architecture Essay Tips and Techniques

Imagine standing in front of a majestic Gothic cathedral, its spires reaching toward the heavens, or gazing at the sleek, gravity-defying lines of a modern skyscraper. Architecture surrounds us, shaping our world and influencing our lives in profound ways. The challenge, however, lies in translating the intricate beauty and complexity of architecture into a compelling essay. Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to write an architecture essay . This post will offer you practical tips, insightful examples, and a clear roadmap to help you craft essays that truly stand out. Whether you're an experienced essay writer or a student just beginning, this guide is tailored to meet your needs and elevate your writing skills. Through this guide, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively communicate the fascinating elements of architecture in your essays.

What is an Architecture Essay?

An architecture essay is an academic paper that explores various aspects of architecture, such as design principles, historical developments, or theoretical frameworks. It requires a deep understanding of architectural concepts and the ability to communicate them effectively.

Architecture essays can take many forms, including analytical essays that dissect a particular architectural style, descriptive essays that vividly portray a building or space, critical essays that evaluate architectural theories, and comparative essays that draw parallels between different architectural movements.

In both academic and professional contexts, architecture essays play a crucial role. They help students develop critical thinking skills, enhance their understanding of architectural history and theory, and contribute to ongoing discussions within the field. For professionals, these essays can inform practice and influence contemporary architectural design.

Pre-writing Strategies

Brainstorming techniques.

Before you start writing, it's essential to generate ideas. Try mind mapping to visually organize your thoughts, freewriting to explore your initial impressions, or researching architectural styles and movements to find inspiration.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It should be specific, arguable, and relevant to your topic. For example, "The use of sustainable materials in modern architecture not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances aesthetic appeal."

Researching and Gathering Sources

Reliable sources are vital for supporting your arguments. Look for books, scholarly journals, reputable websites, and industry publications that provide credible and relevant information. Libraries and online databases like JSTOR and Google Scholar are excellent starting points.

Structuring Your Architecture Essay

Introduction.

Your introduction should capture the reader's attention and set the stage for your essay. Begin with an engaging opening statement or anecdote related to your topic. Follow this with background information and your thesis statement to outline the main points you will discuss.

Body Paragraphs

Organize your body paragraphs logically, each focusing on a single idea that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence, provide evidence and analysis, and conclude with a sentence that ties the paragraph back to your central argument. Use clear transitions to ensure coherence.

Examples and Case Studies

Consider this excerpt from an analytical essay on Gothic architecture:

"The ribbed vaults and flying buttresses of Notre-Dame de Paris not only exemplify the structural innovations of the Gothic era but also create a sense of upward movement, drawing the viewer's eye towards the heavens."

Analysis: This excerpt is effective because it combines specific architectural terminology with a vivid description, linking form and function in a way that enhances the reader's understanding.

Here's a sample from a descriptive essay on Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater:

"The cantilevered terraces of Fallingwater extend over the waterfall, merging the building with its natural surroundings. The use of locally quarried stone and natural light creates a harmonious balance between architecture and nature."

Analysis: The descriptive language and focus on sensory details make this excerpt engaging and informative, illustrating the unique features of the building.

From a comparative essay on modern and postmodern architecture:

"While modern architecture emphasizes minimalism and functionalism, postmodern architecture embraces eclecticism and ornamentation. This shift reflects broader cultural changes and challenges the notion of a universal architectural style."

Analysis: This comparison highlights key differences between the two movements and situates them within a broader cultural context, demonstrating critical thinking.

Citing Sources and Referencing

Citation styles.

Different disciplines use different citation styles. In architecture, MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and Chicago Manual of Style are commonly used. Be sure to follow the guidelines specific to your assignment or publication.

In-text Citations

Include in-text citations whenever you quote, paraphrase, or reference someone else's work. For example, in MLA style, you might write: "According to Smith, 'the use of light in architecture is crucial' (45)."

Reference List

Your reference list should appear at the end of your essay. Format it according to the citation style you are using, and include all sources cited in your text. Double-check for accuracy and completeness.

Tips for Writing Excellence

Style and tone.

Achieving excellence in writing begins with maintaining a formal, objective tone throughout your essay. This approach ensures that your writing remains professional and credible. Avoid colloquial language and personal opinions unless the assignment specifically requests them. Colloquial expressions can make your writing appear informal and diminish its impact. Instead, strive for clarity and precision in every sentence you construct. Use direct and concise language to convey your points effectively. Remember, the goal is to communicate your ideas clearly and professionally.

Vocabulary and Terminology

Using precise terminology is crucial for conveying your ideas accurately. This is particularly important in specialized fields such as architecture, where specific terms can significantly enhance the clarity of your writing. Instead of using vague or ambiguous language, opt for precise words that accurately describe your concepts. For instance, rather than saying "nice design," you could specify "innovative use of geometric forms." This level of detail not only strengthens your argument but also demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter.

Structure and Flow

A well-structured essay is easier to read and understand. Begin with a clear introduction that outlines the main points you will discuss. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, with a topic sentence that introduces the point, followed by supporting sentences that elaborate on it. Use transition words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs. This helps guide the reader through your argument and makes your essay more cohesive.

Research and Citations

Thorough research is the backbone of a strong essay. Make sure to use credible sources and properly cite them to avoid plagiarism. Incorporate evidence from your research to support your arguments. This not only adds weight to your points but also shows that you have engaged with existing literature on the topic. Proper citation also allows your readers to verify your sources and further explore the subject.

Proofreading and Editing

Thorough proofreading and editing are essential for producing a polished essay. Start by checking for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and inconsistencies. These small errors can distract readers and undermine the professionalism of your writing. Reading your essay aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing and improve the overall flow. Additionally, consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors. Fresh eyes can often catch errors you may have missed and provide valuable insights.

Visual Aids and Examples

Incorporating visual aids and examples can enhance the clarity and impact of your essay. Diagrams, charts, and images can help illustrate complex ideas and make your writing more engaging. However, ensure that any visual aids you include are relevant and add value to your content. Use them to complement your written text, not replace it.

Writing an architecture essay involves a blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and effective communication. By understanding the structure and purpose of these essays, employing pre-writing strategies, and paying attention to detail, you can craft essays that are both informative and engaging. Remember, the key to excellence lies in thorough research, precise language, and thoughtful organization.

By Liliana Alvarez

• Architecture Essay
• How to Write an Architecture Essay
• Crafting an Outstanding Architecture Essay Tips
• Outstanding Architecture Essay Tips
• Architecture Essay Tips
• Architecture Essay Tip
• Outstanding Architecture Essay Tips and Techniques
• Architecture Essay Tips and Techniques

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